The Tour

We are so passionate about the district of Balat, Fener, and Ayvansaray. We believe it is a perfect showcase of our cultural reality and an indispensible destination of a historic site tour. Please note that we do not have a strict plan which will be followed minute by minute. In addition to the historic sites, you will get a chance to observe a typical day in the life of an Istanbul native. Our tour is on foot at all times and there will be many amazing scenes to catch for photo enthusiasts.

Chora Museum

Chora Museum

A magnificent example of a Byzantine Church survived through major earthquakes, fires, sieges since the 5th century. The Church, later converted to a mosque and to a museum, still houses some of the fines mosaics and frescoes.

Gate of Charisius

Gate of Charisius

The great entry way to the Constantinople, where the conquer, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, entered to the fallen City after six weeks of siege and continuous strikes.

The Theodosian Land Walls

The Theodosian Land Walls

The complexity of the walls, which were originally build during 5th century and rebuild many times throughout the centuries, was the strongest defense mechanism to protect the last remaining piece of Roman Empire.

The Palace of Blachernae

The Palace of Blachernae

Its construction originally started in the 5th century and its expansion had continued until it became the main imperial palace in 11th century. Today, only The Palace of Constantine Porphyrogenitus, Anemas Dungeons, and few substructures remain from the original palace overlooking the most outstanding view of Golden Horn, Istanbul.

Ivaz Efendi Mosque

Ivaz Efendi Mosque

Build in 1585, the mosque is a work of world renown Chief Ottoman Architect Mimar Sinan.

The Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque

The Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque

Another Byzantine church converted to a mosque after the invasion of Constantinople, the building standouts with 11th century architectural significance.

Ferruh Kethuda Mosque

Ferruh Kethuda Mosque

Phanar Greek Orthodox College

Also known as The Red Castle, the building designed by Ottoman Greek architect Dimadis and established in 1454 by Matheos Kamaryotis. The 15th century building is the most dominant structure in the region with its magnificent dome.

Church of St. Mary the Mongols

Church of St. Mary the Mongols

This church witnessed the last resentment of Constantinople against Ottoman invasion. Thus, it was named as the Bloody Church and it is the only Byzantine Church that has never been converted to a mosque.

Patriarchal Church of St George

Patriarchal Church of St George

Rebuild from its ashes over and over again, the church is still the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, recognized as the spiritual leader of the World’s Eastern Orthodox Christians. Even though, it is simple out side décor might be misleading at first sight, it is interior is breathtaking with some of the most unique icons, and the fifth century patriarchal throne.

Yanbol Synagogue

Yanbol Synagogue

Build during Byzantine period by Jewish Community migrated from Yanbol, Bulgaria, the synagogue is one of the two active synagogues in Balat.

Ahrida Synagogue

Ahrida Synagogue

Build by Jewish community from Macedonia, the synagogue has been active since 1404. The synagogues existence since Byzantine times is a proof that the area of Balat has been developed as a Jewish neighborhood before Ottoman Empire.

The Bulgarian St Stephen Church

The Bulgarian St. Stephen Church

The church is most famous for being cast iron. It is one of the few surviving prefabricated cast iron churches.